Renowned director to arrive in Israel for debut of his film ‘Un Secret’ nominated for 11 French César Awards, accompanied by author Philippe Grimbert, actor Patrick Bruel

Merav Yudilovitch|Published: 01.29.08 , 19:28

Renowned French director Claude Miller, whose film ‘Un Secret’ ('The Secret') has been nominated for 11 César Awards by the French Film Academy, is due to arrive in Israel
in about two weeks for the debut of his movie.

Also arriving in Israel along with Miller will be lead actor and French mega-star Patrick Bruel, as well French author and psychoanalyst Philippe Grimbert, whose autobiography 'Simone' inspired ‘Un Secret’.

The plot of the movie follows Grimbert, who was born to a French family living in pre and post-World War II France, as a child, teenager and ultimately an adult. Throughout his life, Grimbert’s family is burdened with a dark secret which they zealously conceal.

As the film wears on, it delicately and splendidly reveals the hidden words the family leaves unspoken, and sheds light on the shadows in which they had built their lives.

Scene from 'Un Secret', coming soon to Israel

The lead roles in ‘Un Secret’ are played by French actors Patrick Bruel and Cécile de France, who plays Tania, the family matriarch. In supporting roles are Julie Depardieu and Ludivine Sagnier, in the role of Anna, the mysterious first wife. Composing the film’s soundtrack is Zbigniew Preisner, who worked extensively with director Krzysztof Kieslowski.

This film marks the first time that director Miller, who is Jewish, has ever tackled subject matter related to his origins. He stated that the subject matter broached in the film could very easily have told his life story as well as that of his family.

Miller, who has already made numerous high profile films, including ‘The Little Thief’ ('La Petite Voleuse') which brought actress Charlotte Gainsbourg into prominence, first began his career as an assistant director.

French trio's Israeli agenda

He worked alongside France’s most prominent directors including Marcel Carne, Robert Bresson, Jacques Demy, Jean-Luc Godard, and Francois Truffaut. He is now director of the ‘Fermis School’, considered one of the top film schools in France.

Miller will arrive in Israel with Bruel and Grimbert on Sunday February 10, roughly two weeks before the César Awards, which will be held in Paris on February 22.

The trio will attend the Israeli premiere of ‘Un Secret’ that will be held at both the Tel-Aviv and Jerusalem Cinematheques, and will also visit the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum in Jerusalem, where their film will be screened at a special viewing center.

Grimbert will also hold a special book signing at the “French” Book Store in Jerusalem on Monday, February 11th. The Matar Publishing Company will re-release the book ‘The Secret’ in a special edition in honor of the film’s debut.